tractorbhoy, yes I agree, if you look that is what I said. I do prefer Carson, he's a better player and winger, but i geuss is a similar player to Martin. I can understand why we play Murphy though, he's very solid, works hard defensively and is a good threat in the air. But the thing I don't understand is why Carson isn't on the bench, surely we don't need both Bullard and Leadbitter on the bench? Spanish, yes I saw that about Hyam aswell, but looks as per usual very poor journalism and just speculation to me. It basically seems that an England scout was in the crowd probably watching Lansbury and Hyam was the player in our team who could still play for the england under 21's, its a non-story really!!
PTC Indeed, there was even mention of JET!!!! Your point about the subs bench is a good one, i honestly can't see why Leadbitter is included at all, he is just seeing out his contract and will then be off in the summer, i would let him rot in the ressies and give his place to someone who wanted it!! This Stevenson seems like a commited character, think he will give us that bit of steel but he also has an eye for goal, i honestly can't see Bullard and Bowyer getting much of a lookin now!
So, at the start of the season, our midfield was Bowyer, Bullard, Leadbitter and Andrews.... and now, the youngsters have taken over, it's Drury, Hyam, Martin and Jet...bye bye dad's army, and say hello to the new kids on the block. Ok, so thats the midfield sorted for the next 5 years... we now need to assemble a decent young defence. Ok, we have Cresswell... thats one of the 5 sorted. Just need to find 3 defenders, a goalie, and 2 young hungry decent forwards and we can then start realistically looking at promotion for next season (unless we somehow win our next 11 games LOL)
Spanish, the 1 thing I would say to counter your Barca/ Spain point is the fact that with those two teams you dont get many opportunities to attack whereas in recent times we have been as open and willing as a ..... ......! I wouldnt always go along with the thinking myself but I think that is what Jewells concerns are. The bench is an interesting problem. With one place always taken by the keeper it only leaves 4places left. Out of that you ideally need a good mix of wide and central, defensive and attacking, creative and killer. A striker is a must and a defender is always helpful that leaves two places. From them two you need a mix of attack and defensive play along with width and I dont see the point of Leadbitter or Bullard being there. Neither of them will get you a goal from nothing, neither will nulify the threat of holding onto a lead. neither can play in the wider positions. Ideally I would like a Drury type character who can fit in numerous roles but we have no one else in a similar mould at the club.
